As announced in 2022, there will be changes on the partner work rights for partners of a temporary work visa holder. Initially, the Government had announced that partners of temporary work visa holders would no longer be automatically eligible for open work visas, but instead would be granted visitor visas, save some exceptions (you can find the initial announcement here). However, those changes were deferred to April this year, when we would have more details about the updates to come into effect.
On 28 February 2023, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV) holders can apply for their own work visa or a partnership visa based on their relationship, the Partner of a Worker Work Visa.
From 31 May 2023, partners who are granted a Partner of a Worker Work Visa need to follow these visa conditions:
- work for an Accredited Employer and
- be paid at least the median wage or the wage threshold if the role is covered by an un-capped sector agreement.
They will not need to have a job offer to apply for this visa. When granted, they can change employers without contacting INZ. The length of the Partner of a Worker Work Visa will usually be the same length of time as their supporting partners work visa.
These Partner of a Worker Work Visa changes do not apply for:
- Existing partnership-based work visas holders (until their visa expires)
- Partners of migrants working in occupations on the Green List or paid twice the median wage
- Partners of New Zealanders
- Partners of those holding other temporary visas.
Partners who do not intend to work can apply to come to New Zealand on Visitor Visas.
To support a partner under the Partner of a Worker Work Visa, AEWV and ESWV holders need to be paid at least the median wage, which was set at NZD $29.66 on 27 February 2023.
Book a consultation with one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers to learn how this will affect you or your business.
Disclaimer: information provided in this article is general only and it does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Due to the continuously evolving nature of New Zealand Immigration policies, Trinity can provide no warranty as to its accuracy, reliability or completeness, other than accuracy at the time of publication. Before taking any course of action related to this article you should make your own inquiries and seek further advice on whether it is suitable for your circumstance. Trinity Employment Services has in house Licensed Immigration Advisers who will be happy to help you with your enquiries.
